Cable-based orthopedic bracing system

ABSTRACT

An orthopedic bracing system for providing support to a joint of an individual is provided. The bracing system comprises a frame configured to conform to the individual&#39;s body and configured to contact the individual such that it can provide support to the joint. The frame has at least two portions configured to connect at least a first part of the individual&#39;s body to a second part of the individual&#39;s body. The bracing system further comprises a cable interconnected to the frame, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tightness level of the cable. In one alternate embodiment, the orthopedic bracing system comprises a frame having two portions, wherein each portion has a separate adjustment system. In this embodiment, each adjustment system comprises a cable interconnected to the frame, an adjustment mechanism, and a flexible strap interconnected to the frame by means of two anchor clips and two anchor pins, each anchor pin being movably connected to the frame. In this embodiment, the adjustment system further comprises an additional flexible strap interconnected to the frame by means of the cable and two anchor clips, wherein this additional strap is affixed to and between the two anchor clips.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to orthopedic devices.

2. The Relevant Technology

Today, orthopedic devices such as functional knee braces are commonplacefor use as a substitute for damaged ligaments or for use to preventinjury or to prevent further injury. Often, braces are prescribedfollowing surgery to prevent further injury at that critical time forhealing. In the area of the knee, typical injuries include the anteriorcruciate ligament (ACL) injury, medial collateral ligament (MCL)injuries, and injuries to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). All ofthese injuries involve damage to ligaments that are important tostability of the knee joint.

FIG. 1 shows a cut-away view surrounding someone's knee 8 and a typicalprior art knee brace 10 that is designed to stabilize the knee jointthat is already injured or to prevent an injury or further injury.Typical knee brace 10 comprises a rigid frame 12 to provide stability, asoft material such as neoprene to provide the primary body material 14,which has a hole 7 leaving the knee 8 exposed, and straps 16 usuallymade of Velcro® to hold everything in place.

A typical prior art orthopedic device such as knee brace 10, however,has many drawbacks. Orthopedic devices are typically worn duringactivity, and such activity causes perspiration and water vapor thattends to accelerate wear and tear on the soft materials 14 and 16 of thebrace 10. Straps 16 tend to have rough edges, particularly if Velcro®,and these rough edges irritate the skin, even if worn over a layer ofclothing. Also, straps 16, particularly if Velcro®, wear out quickly,especially if used frequently. In addition, Velcro® straps 16 have atendency to stick to fleece or mesh, which is often worn as under-layersof clothing.

Further, with many braces, a strap system may surround the entire kneewith two or more relatively long straps 16. In such strap systems, theuser must undo an entire strap and redo it in order to tighten a brace.During activity, sports and the like, braces often need tightening andmuscles swell and contract, so this can be a common occurrence, and thusparticularly problematic. Lastly, one may be able to adjust a typicalorthopedic device such as the knee brace 10 to a desired tightness foran activity or sport, but then the brace then may be too tight for arest or break during that activity.

Therefore, there is a great need in the general area of orthopedicbraces for a device that solves the above problems. It is, therefore, anobject of the present invention to provide an improved orthopedic brace.Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide anorthopedic bracing system that is more comfortable, easier to use,simpler to loosen, simpler to tighten, and is longer lasting thanexisting braces.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An orthopedic bracing system for providing support to a joint of anindividual is provided. The bracing system comprises a frame configuredto conform to the individual's body and configured to contact theindividual such that it can provide support to the joint. The frame hasat least two portions configured to connect at least a first part of theindividual's body to a second part of the individual's body. The bracingsystem further comprises a cable interconnected to the frame, and anadjustment mechanism for adjusting the tightness level of the cable.

Typically, the portions of the frame are rigid and are rotatablyconnected by at least one a hinge. In some embodiments, the orthopedicbracing system further comprises body material connected to the frame.In certain embodiments, the adjustment mechanism comprises a ratchet. Insome embodiments, the cable also is interconnected to the body materialin addition to the frame. In many embodiments, the orthopedic bracingsystem further comprises eyelets affixed to the frame for guiding thecable about the frame and sharp turns. Several embodiments also comprisea sheath affixed to the body material for guiding the cable about thebody material and protecting the body material from wear and tear.

In one embodiment, the orthopedic bracing system comprises a frame andat least one adjustment system, wherein the adjustment system comprisesa cable interconnected to the frame, an adjustment mechanism foradjusting the tightness level of the cable, and a first strapinterconnected to the frame by means of at least one anchor pin, whereinthe at least one anchor pin is movably connected to the frame. Incertain of these embodiments, the at least first strap is flexible. Thebracing system further comprises at least one anchor clip that housesthe at least one anchor pin. The adjustment system further comprises twoanchor clips, wherein the first strap is affixed to and between the atleast two anchor clips. In some embodiments, the adjustment system has asecond strap affixed to and between two anchor clips that do not useanchor pins. In yet additional embodiments, the frame is customized tofit the body parts of a particular individual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantagesand objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular descriptionof the invention briefly described above will follow by reference tospecific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appendeddrawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of theinvention. They are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting ofits scope. The invention will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows front view of a prior art knee brace;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of one embodiment of a cable-based orthopedicbracing system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A shows a rear view of the cable-based orthopedic bracing systemof FIG. 2;

FIG. 2B shows a rear view of an alternate embodiment of a cable-basedorthopedic bracing system;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an alternate embodiment of a cable-basedorthopedic bracing system;

FIG. 3A shows an exploded, cut-away view of FIG. 3 of the area where thecable is positioned on the body material;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of an alternate embodiment of a cable-basedorthopedic bracing system;

FIG. 4A shows a front view of the brace of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4B shows a rear view of the brace of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4C shows an exploded, cut-away view of FIG. 4 of the area where thecable is positioned on the straps;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of a cable-basedorthopedic bracing system; and

FIG. 5A shows a rear view of the brace of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of theinvention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, byway of illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficientdetail to enable those skilled in the art practice the invention, itshould be understood that other embodiments may be realized and thatvarious changes to the invention may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the following moredetailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, asrepresented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention, as claimed. It is presented for purposes of illustration onlyand to describe the features and characteristics of the presentinvention, to set forth the best mode of operation of the invention, andto sufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined solelyby the appended claims. The following detailed description and exemplaryembodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein the elements and features of theinvention are designated by numerals throughout.

The present invention describes and features a cable-based orthopedicbracing system that is more comfortable, easier to use, simpler toloosen and simpler to tighten, and is longer lasting than existingbraces.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, advantages of the presentinvention will be apparent in light of the detailed description setforth below. These advantages are not meant to be limiting in any way.Indeed, other than those specifically recited herein, one skilled in theart will appreciate that other advantages may be realized, uponpracticing the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of one embodiment of a cable-based orthopedicbracing system 100 according to the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 2 shows a cable-based knee brace 100. As shown, the cable-basedknee brace 100 comprises a frame 20, a body material 30, and anadjustment system 45. With the brace 100, the frame 20 has four parts:an upper 22 and lower section 24 on each side of the knee 8, with eachupper 22 and lower section 24 being pivotally connected by means of ahinge 23. Further, with brace 100, the body material 30 is flexible andis typically neoprene. Lastly, the adjustment system 45 comprises anadjustment mechanism 40, a cable 42, and a routing system 50, whichitself comprises eyelets 52 for guiding the cable 42 around the frame20. By use of the routing system 50, the cable 42 is interconnected tothe frame 40 and body material 30. Note that the cable 42 can be anythin elongated material, such as wire, line, cord, string, or the like.

Thus, the neoprene material 30 gives body to the brace 100 while theframe 20 provides the needed support to the knee 8. Also, the brace 20is configured to conform to an individual's body and configured tocontact the individual, either directly to the skin or through clothingworn by the individual. The brace 100 is placed over the knee 8 as onewould put on a sock and then one adjusts the fit or tightness level withthe aid of the adjustment system 45. The adjustment system 45 is merelya ratchet type system for use with a small diameter cable. Such a systemis known to one skilled in the art and is disclosed, e.g., in U.S. Pat.No. 5,934,599, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety byreference.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cable 42 extends from the adjustment mechanism40 uniformly about the frame 20 and by means of and through the eyelets52 and back to the adjustment mechanism 40. As the cable is tightened bythe adjustment mechanism 40, e.g., by turning, it is pulled there andthereby pulled at each eyelet 52, thereby uniformly tightening the brace100 to ensure a uniform, snug and proper fit around the user's knee 8.To loosen, the user need only loosen the ratchet system, i.e., theadjustment mechanism 40, which thereby loosens the tension at eacheyelet 52 location about the brace 100.

Re-tightening can be achieved and re-loosening can be achieved in thesame manner as it was originally performed. In this way, the cable-basedknee brace 100 of the present invention is more comfortable, easier touse, simpler to loosen, simpler to tighten, and is longer lasting thanconventional knee braces. See, e.g. the conventional knee brace 10 ofFIG. 1. For example, when one's muscles swell or contract or when onetakes a rest during activity and they need adjustment on one's kneebrace, the process is much easier, simpler and endures much less wearand tear on the brace 100 than it would on a conventional knee brace.Also, the desired fit and tightness achieved with the cable-based kneebrace 100 is much more snug than with a conventional knee brace. Moreimportantly, however, the knee brace 100 can be tightened more easilyand more readily and more uniformly than can be achieved with aconventional knee brace.

FIG. 2A shows a rear view of the cable-based orthopedic bracing system100 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2A, portions 22 and 24 of the frame 20(including hinge 23) are visible from the rear, as well as theadjustment mechanism 40, all of which are positioned on the side of thebrace 100. As the brace 100 is placed over the knee 8 as one would puton a sock, the rear of the brace 100 is comprised of body material 30and has a hole 31 to accommodate the area 9 behind the knee 8.

FIG. 2B shows a rear view of an alternate embodiment of a cable-basedorthopedic bracing system 100B. The bracing system 100B has the samefront as the bracing system 100 of FIG. 2, but has a different reardesign, i.e., that shown in FIG. 2B. As shown in FIG. 2B, portions 22and 24 of the frame 20 (including hinge 23) are visible from the rear,as well as the adjustment mechanism 40, all of which are positioned onthe side of the brace 100B. Instead of being placed over the knee 8 asone would put on a sock, however, the rear of brace 100B comprises offour straps 60 that extend between side portions 22 and 24 of the frame20, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2B, each strap 60 attaches to theother side of the frame 20 by means of a clip 62. As shown, the straps60 and clips 62 are conventional straps and clips, but any mechanismthat can connect the respective portions 22 and 24 of the frame 20across the open space of the leg 15 is contemplated. Further, someflexibility in the straps 60 is allowable, but the primary mechanism foradjusting the fit of the brace in either bracing system 100 or 100B isprovided by the adjustment system 45 positioned on the front of thebrace, as shown in FIG. 2. In the embodiment of bracing system 100B, therear of brace 100B has no body material 30 like brace 100, but maycontain some material to make the interaction between skin on the leg 15and the straps 60 as comfortable as possible.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an alternate embodiment of a cable-basedorthopedic bracing system 200. As shown, the cable-based knee brace 200comprises a frame 120, a body material 130, and an adjustment system145. With the brace 200, the frame 120 has four parts: an upper andlower section 122 and 124 on each side of the knee 8. Further, withbrace 200, the body material 130 is flexible and is typically neoprene.Lastly, the adjustment system 145 comprises an adjustment mechanism 140,a cable 142, and a routing system 150, which itself comprises eyelets154 for guiding the cable 142 around the frame 120, and a sheath 156.

Thus, as with brace 100, the neoprene material 130 gives body to brace200 while the frame 120 provides needed support to the knee 8. The brace200 is placed over the knee 8 as one would put on a sock and then oneadjusts the fit or tightness level with the aid of the adjustment system145, which works in the same manner as does the adjustment system 45 ofbrace 100. Instead of the cable 142 being positioned primarily over thefront portion of the brace 100, however, the cable 142 is positionedprimarily over the rear portion of brace 200.

As shown in FIG. 3, the routing system 150 comprises eyelets 154, whichare affixed to the rear side of each portion 122 and 124 of the frame120. The cable 142 extends from the adjustment mechanism 140 and throughthe eyelets 154 and uniformly around the rear portion of the brace 200and back to the adjustment mechanism 140. FIG. 3A shows an exploded,cut-away view of FIG. 3 of the area where the cable 142 is positioned onthe body material 130. Specifically, FIG. 3A depicts the sheath 156,which protects the body material 130 and guides the cable 142 as itmoves back and forth about the brace 200. Accordingly, the sheath 156can be made of any suitable material to protect the body material 130from wear and tear through use of the brace 200.

As the cable is tightened by the adjustment mechanism 140, it is pulledthere and thereby pulled at each eyelet 154, thereby uniformlytightening the brace 200 to ensure a uniform, snug and proper fit aroundthe user's knee 8. To loosen, the user need only loosen the ratchetsystem, i.e., the adjustment system 140, which thereby loosens thetension at each eyelet 154 location about the brace 200. Re-tighteningcan be achieved and re-loosening can be achieved in the same manner asit was originally performed. In this way, the cable-based knee brace 200of the present invention is more comfortable, easier to use, simpler toloosen, simpler to tighten, and is longer lasting than conventional kneebraces.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of an alternate embodiment of a cable-basedorthopedic bracing system 300. As shown, the cable-based knee brace 300comprises a frame 220 and an adjustment system 245. With the previousbraces, the frame 220 has four parts: an upper 222 and lower section 124on each side of the knee 8. Further, the adjustment system 245 comprisesan adjustment mechanism 240, a cable 242, and a routing system 250,which itself comprises eyelets 254 for guiding the cable 242 around theframe 220 and particularly tight turns, and a sheath 256.

As opposed to previous braces, brace 300 does not have body material,but comprises straps. In the rear of the brace 300, the portions of theframe 220 are connected by straps 260 which are similar to straps 60 ofbrace 100B. As with brace 100B, these straps 260 can be any straps thancan be readily connected and disconnected. The front of brace 300,however, has a strap system 270 that comprises straps 272. Each strap272 extends between each respective portion 222 and 224 of the frame 220to provide a path for the routing system 250. With brace 300, straps 272are affixed between respective portions of frame 220 and are notdetachable as are straps 260.

As shown in FIG. 4, the routing system 250 comprises eyelets 254, whichare affixed to the side of each portion 222 and 224 of the frame 220.The cable 242 extends from the adjustment mechanism 240 and through theeyelets 254 and uniformly around the front portion of the brace 300,over the straps 272 back to the adjustment mechanism 240. FIG. 4C showsan exploded, cut-away view of FIG. 4 of the area where the cable 242 ispositioned on the straps 272. Specifically, FIG. 4C depicts the sheath256, which protects the straps 272 and guides the cable 242 as it movesback and forth about the brace 300. Accordingly, the sheath 256 can bemade of any suitable material to protect the straps 272 from wear andtear through use of the brace 300.

As the cable is tightened by the adjustment mechanism 240, it is pulledthere and thereby pulled at each eyelet 254 and over the straps 272,thereby uniformly tightening the brace 300 to ensure a uniform, snug andproper fit around the user's knee 8. To loosen, the user need onlyloosen the ratchet system, i.e., the adjustment system 240, whichthereby loosens the tension at each eyelet 254 location and the straps272 about the brace 300. Re-tightening can be achieved and re-looseningcan be achieved in the same manner as it was originally performed. Inthis way, the cable-based knee brace 300 of the present invention ismore comfortable, easier to use, simpler to loosen, simpler to tighten,and is longer lasting than conventional knee braces.

FIG. 4A shows a front view of the brace 300 of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 4A, portions 222 and 224 of the frame 220 (including hinge223) are visible from the front, as well as the adjustment mechanism240, all of which are positioned on the side of the brace 300. Further,as shown, the adjustment system 245 is visible from the front, as it ispositioned on the front of the brace 300 on frame 220 and the strapsystem 270.

FIG. 4B shows a rear view of the brace 300 of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 4B, portions 222 and 224 of the frame 220 (including hinge223) are visible from the rear, as well as the adjustment mechanism 240,all of which are positioned on the side of the brace 300. Further, asshown in FIG. 4B, the straps 260 are visible. With brace 300, it is bymeans of straps 260 that the user places the brace 300 on the knee 8 andremoves the brace 300 from the knee 8.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of a cable-basedorthopedic bracing system 400. As shown, the cable-based knee brace 400comprises a frame 420 and two separate adjustment systems 445 and 457.Different from the previous braces, the frame 420 has two parts: anupper section 422 and a lower section 424, above and below the knee 8,respectively. The upper section 422 and lower section 424 aresubstantially mirror images of each other, operate in the same manner,and are rotatably connected to each other at hinge 423. On the uppersection 422, the adjustment system 445 comprises an adjustment mechanism440, a cable 442, and a routing system 450. With brace 400, the routingsystem 450 comprises an eyelet 452 for guiding the cable 442 around theframe 420 and particularly tight turns, and anchor clips 458 and 468.

As with brace 300, brace 400 comprises straps. There are two straps 480on the top and bottom of the brace 400 and two straps 482 in the middleof the brace 400. With brace 400, these straps 480 and 482 are notdisconnected, but made of a flexible material such as flexible nylon.Accordingly, the brace 400 is placed over the knee 8 as one would put ona sock and then one adjusts the fit or tightness level with the aid ofthe adjustment system 445. Further, to aid in proper fit, the frame 420of the brace 400 is customized or molded specially to fit each person'sknee 8. FIG. 5A shows a rear view of the brace 400 of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 5A, straps 480 and 482 are visible from therear.

As shown in FIG. 5 and as set forth above, the routing system 450comprises an eyelet 452 for guiding the cable 442 around the frame 420and particularly tight turns, and anchor clips 458 and 468. Each strap480 is connected to the frame 420 by means of two anchor clips 458located at the respective top 422 and bottom 424 frame portions. Eachstrap 482 is interconnected to the frame 420 by means of the two anchorclips 468 affixed to each strap 482.

The routing system 450 operates as follows. On each side of portion 422,the cable 442 extends from the adjustment mechanism 440, through oneanchor clip 458, through eyelet 452 in the center of the frame portion422, through one anchor clip 468 attached to strap 482, through theother anchor clip 468 attached to strap 482, back through eyelet 452,through the other anchor clip 458, and back to the adjustment mechanism440 eyelet 452 on the side of the frame portion 422, to a strap clip 482on strap 482. As the cable 442 is tightened by the adjustment mechanism440, it is pulled there and thereby pulled at and through the eyelet 452and each anchor clip 458 and 468.

The eyelet 452 is affixed to the frame 420, but each anchor clip 458 and468 is not affixed to the frame 420. With respect to strap 480 andassociated anchor clips 458, the frame 420 has a groove 461 in which ananchor pin 459 rides back and forth as the cable 442 is tightened orloosened. Accordingly, during tightening, the pins 459 (which areconnected to each anchor clip 458) move toward each other, and therebypull the anchor clips 458 toward each other as viewed in FIG. 5, therebytightening strap 480. Similarly, as the cable 442 is tightened, anchorclips 468 (which are affixed to straps 482) move closer to each other,and thereby tighten strap 482. The adjustment system 457 on the lowerportion 424 of the frame 420 operates in the same manner as does theadjustment system on the upper portion 422 of the frame. Accordingly,the adjustment system 457 comprises a separate routing system 451 and aseparate adjustment mechanism 442.

Re-tightening can be achieved and re-loosening can be achieved in thesame manner as it was originally performed. In this way, the cable-basedknee brace 400 of the present invention is more comfortable, easier touse, simpler to loosen, simpler to tighten, and is longer lasting thanconventional knee braces. In addition, because of the design of brace400 and in particular, the manner in which the straps 480 and 482 areinterconnected to the frame 420, the brace 400 has an additional benefitin that it eliminates the problem of “bunching” (i.e., gathering ofexcess material) of the straps 480 and 482 of the brace 400 as onetightens the brace 400 to properly fit it to one's knee 8.

Another aspect of the present invention is that it is advantageous insome embodiments and applications to have a cable to be positioned overa ligament of a joint. For example, it is particularly advantageous tohave a cable or cables to be positioned over a ligament of an anklebecause not only does the cable-based orthopedic bracing system of thepresent invention provide the improved support and benefits of theinvention, but the cable positioned over ligaments would serve thepurpose of conventional taping that a medical professional performs orplaces on or over ligaments of an ankle that needs such support. Thus,with any of the embodiments of the bracing system of the presentinvention where it is used to support an ankle, the cable may besituated or positioned over at least one ligament.

Although multiple embodiments of the invention are described herein indetail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvariations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of theinvention or the scope of the claims. For example, the orthopedicbracing system of the present invention is not limited to knee braces,but is applicable to any bracing system on the body, such as an elbowbrace or wrist brace. Further, the present invention also is applicableto areas other than orthopedic arena such as protective gear and sportspadding. For example, one can apply the principles of the presentinvention to, e.g., football pads and arrive at football pads accordingto the present invention that can be tightened more easily and morereadily and more uniformly than can be achieved with conventionalfootball pads.

1. An orthopedic bracing system for providing support to a joint of anindividual, the bracing system comprising: a frame configured to conformto the individual's body and configured to contact the individual suchthat it can provide support to the joint, having at least two portionsconfigured to connect at least a first part of the individual's body toa second part of the individual's body; a cable interconnected to theframe; and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tightness level ofthe cable.
 2. The orthopedic bracing system of claim 1 furthercomprising: body material connected to the frame.
 3. The orthopedicbracing system of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises at leasttwo rigid members.
 4. The orthopedic bracing system of claim 3, whereinthe frame further comprises at least one hinge.
 5. The orthopedicbracing system of claim 2, wherein the body material is neoprene.
 6. Theorthopedic bracing system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanismcomprises a ratchet.
 7. The orthopedic bracing system of claim 2,wherein the cable also is interconnected to the body material.
 8. Theorthopedic bracing system of claim 1 further comprising eyelets affixedto the frame for guiding the cable about the frame.
 9. The orthopedicbracing system of claim 2 further comprising a sheath affixed to thebody material for guiding the cable about the body material andprotecting the body material from wear and tear.
 10. An orthopedicbracing system for providing support to a joint of an individual, thebracing system comprising: a frame configured to conform to theindividual's body and configured to contact the individual such that itcan provide support to the joint, the frame having at least two rigidmembers; an adjustment mechanism affixed to the frame; and a cableconnected to the adjustment mechanism and interconnected to the frameand configured such that the adjustment mechanism adjusts the tightnesslevel of the cable and thereby the fit of the bracing system.
 11. Theorthopedic bracing system of claim 10 further comprising: body materialconnected to the frame.
 12. The orthopedic bracing system of claim 10,wherein the frame further comprises at least one hinge.
 13. Theorthopedic bracing system of claim 11, wherein the body material isneoprene.
 14. The orthopedic bracing system of claim 10, wherein theadjustment mechanism comprises a ratchet.
 15. The orthopedic bracingsystem of claim 11, wherein the cable also is interconnected to the bodymaterial.
 16. The orthopedic bracing system of claim 10 furthercomprising eyelets affixed to the frame for guiding the cable about theframe.
 17. The orthopedic bracing system of claim 11 further comprisinga sheath affixed to the body material for guiding the cable about thebody material and protecting the body material from wear and tear. 18.An orthopedic bracing system for providing support to a joint of anindividual, the bracing system comprising: a frame configured to conformto the individual's body and configured to contact the individual suchthat it can provide support to the joint; a body material connected tothe frame; a cable interconnected to the frame; and an adjustmentmechanism for adjusting the tightness level of the cable and thereby thefit of the bracing system, wherein the adjustment mechanism is affixedto the frame and/or the body material.
 19. The orthopedic bracing systemof claim 18, wherein the frame further comprises at least two rigidmembers.
 20. The orthopedic bracing system of claim 19, wherein theframe further comprises at least one hinge.
 21. The orthopedic bracingsystem of claim 18, wherein the body material is neoprene.
 22. Theorthopedic bracing system of claim 18, wherein the adjustment mechanismcomprises a ratchet.
 23. The orthopedic bracing system of claim 18,wherein the cable also is interconnected to the body material.
 24. Theorthopedic bracing system of claim 18 further comprising eyelets affixedto the frame for guiding the cable about the frame.
 25. The orthopedicbracing system of claim 18 further comprising a sheath affixed to thebody material for guiding the cable about the body material andprotecting the body material from wear and tear.
 26. An orthopedicbracing system for providing support to a joint of an individual, thebracing system comprising: a frame configured to conform to theindividual's body and configured to contact the individual such that itcan provide support to the joint, having at least two portionsconfigured to connect at least a first part of the individual's body toa second part of the individual's body; at least one adjustment systemcomprising: a cable interconnected to the frame; an adjustment mechanismfor adjusting the tightness level of the cable; and a first strapinterconnected to the frame by means of at least one anchor pin, whereinthe anchor pin is movably connected to the frame.
 27. The orthopedicbracing system of claim 26, wherein the frame further comprises at leasttwo rigid members.
 28. The orthopedic bracing system of claim 26,wherein the frame further comprises at least one hinge.
 29. Theorthopedic bracing system of claim 26, wherein the at least oneadjustment system further comprises at least one eyelet affixed to theframe for guiding the cable about the frame.
 30. The orthopedic bracingsystem of claim 26, wherein the first strap is made of flexiblematerial.
 31. The orthopedic bracing system of claim 26, wherein the atleast one adjustment system further comprises at least one anchor clipthat houses the at least one anchor pin.
 32. The orthopedic bracingsystem of claim 26, wherein the at least one adjustment system furthercomprises two anchor clips, wherein the first strap is affixed to andbetween the two anchor clips.
 33. The orthopedic bracing system of claim26, wherein the at least one adjustment system further comprises asecond strap interconnected to the frame by means of the cable twoanchor clips, wherein the second strap is affixed to and between the twoanchor clips.
 34. The orthopedic bracing system of claim 26, wherein theframe is customized to fit the body parts of a particular individual.